I. What is the Writing on the Wall in Daniel 5?
In the book of Daniel, chapter 5 tells the story of the mysterious writing on the wall that appeared during a great feast hosted by King Belshazzar of Babylon. The writing, which appeared as a hand writing on the plaster of the wall, was a message from God that foretold the downfall of Belshazzar and his kingdom. This event has become known as the “writing on the wall” and has since been used as a metaphor for a warning of impending doom.
II. Who was Belshazzar and what was his role in the story?
Belshazzar was the son of King Nebuchadnezzar and the last king of Babylon. He was known for his arrogance and disregard for the God of Israel. In the story of Daniel 5, Belshazzar hosted a great feast for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine from the vessels that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem. During the feast, a hand appeared and wrote on the wall, causing Belshazzar to be greatly troubled.
III. What was the significance of the mysterious writing on the wall?
The writing on the wall was a message from God that foretold the downfall of Belshazzar and his kingdom. The message was written in Aramaic and translated to “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin.” Daniel was called upon to interpret the writing, which he explained as a warning from God that Belshazzar’s reign was coming to an end and that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians.
IV. Who was Daniel and how did he interpret the writing on the wall?
Daniel was a Hebrew prophet who had been taken captive to Babylon. He was known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and visions. When Belshazzar called for someone to interpret the writing on the wall, Daniel was brought before the king. Daniel explained that the writing was a message from God foretelling Belshazzar’s downfall and the division of his kingdom.
V. What was the message conveyed through the writing on the wall?
The message conveyed through the writing on the wall was a warning from God to Belshazzar that his reign was coming to an end. The words “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” were interpreted by Daniel as meaning that Belshazzar had been weighed in the balance and found wanting, and that his kingdom would be divided and given to the Medes and Persians. This message served as a reminder of the consequences of pride and arrogance.
VI. How did the events in Daniel 5 fulfill prophecy?
The events in Daniel 5 fulfilled prophecy in several ways. Firstly, the downfall of Belshazzar and the fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians had been prophesied by Isaiah and Jeremiah. The writing on the wall served as a confirmation of these prophecies and a warning to Belshazzar of the impending doom of his kingdom. Additionally, the division of the kingdom and the rise of the Medes and Persians as the dominant power in the region were all foretold in the book of Daniel. The events in Daniel 5 served as a powerful reminder of the sovereignty of God and the consequences of disobedience.